Forty Under 40: Julie Shook, 34

Julie Shook is a good example of what happens when determination and opportunity collide.

Born and raised in Berryville, Shook began working at Arvest after learning about two part-time job openings. She was a junior in high school.

“Self-driven,” Shook also had the good fortune of finding an immediate mentor in Donna Parton.

“She believed in me and said, ‘It’s yours. Do what you want,’” Shook said.

The rest reads a little bit like a fairy tale. Initially charged with teller and account work, Shook soon delved into marketing and a variety of other segments. After three years, she took a promotion that landed her in Springdale.

Shook found another mentor, Kathy Carlock, there, and was promoted to branch manager by age 21, vice president by 25 and senior vice president by 30. Now, almost 15 years after making the move, Shook oversees eight branches and is responsible for hiring, coaching and developing more than 100 employees. That doesn’t count the managers she supervises in regard to deposit and teller operations.

“This has been my life,” she said.

There’s been more, of course. Shook has held several board positions for Executive Women International, and is ardent about community involvement.

She’s also a devoted mother of two, and enjoys squeezing in date nights with her husband.